All-electric BMW i70 M70 here by year’s end

BMW’s performance arm, M Performance, has had its way with the company’s fully electric all-wheel drive i7 large luxury sedan, upping the ante in performance terms to near supercar levels.

Called the i7 M70 xDrive, the new model, due in Q4 this year, sells for $344,900 plus on-road costs, placing it in the sites of similar models from other manufacturers like the fully electric Mercedes AMG EQS 53 at $328,400 +ORCs and the petrol/electric Porsche Panamera 4.0 Turbo S E-Hybrid at $433,500 +ORCs.

Other potential contenders are the Bentley Flying Spur 2.9 Hybrid at $456,000 +ORCs and at a lower price point, the Lexus LS500h Sport Luxury at a ‘mere’ $201,040 +ORCs.

The i7 M70 xDrive will be the most powerful all-electric BMW model to launch in Australia capable of clocking a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds, despite weighing in excess of 2000kg. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

To achieve this, the imposing sedan has electric motors on both axles that combined, produce a whopping 485kW and up to 1100Nm of torque. To put that into perspective, the average 60-tonne B-double has about 2500Nm.

The kilowattage exceeds BMW’s previous power king, the iX M60 by 30kW.

At 360kW, the rear electric motor is the most power dense ever produced by BMW.

The car is built on what BMW calls an M-specific chassis it says “seamlessly combines electric mobility and towering capability”.

Featuring a 106kWh battery, the M70 is capable of up to 560km driving range with the brand’s new Max Range mode making its debut on this model that also comes with a five-year Chargefox subscription included.

Buyers also receive a BMW Wallbox recharger in the purchase price.

The M70 uses fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology that is under constant development to further improve both power output and efficiency. This applies not only to the powertrain and power electronics, but also to the high-voltage battery and charging technology.

The M70’s integrated synchronous motor drive units at the front and rear axles bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single, compact housing. The system makes it possible to completely avoid the use of rare earth metals (required for magnetic components) in the manufacture of the rotor.

An M Launch Control function integrates both drive and traction control into the electronic control unit to ensure the power generated by the electric motors is precisely metered for “stunning” acceleration without any loss of traction.

An M Sport Boost function for maximum power is activated with the shift paddle on the steering wheel. A sound generator varies according to the vehicle setting selected.

BMW says the M70 has “excellent long-distance capabilities” thanks to the efficiency of the highly integrated drive units, but also to measures for reducing power consumption including adaptive recuperation of braking energy and the heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and powertrain.

The car is capable of AC charging at up to 22kW as standard, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195kW. The Max Range operating mode extends driving range by carefully restricting drive power and top speed and comfort functions (climate control, seat heating etc.) scaled back allowing range to be increased by between 15 to 25 per cent.

In addition to the M Performance drive system power, the car’s chassis is tuned precisely to deliver M-specific performance characteristics that contribute to a ‘unique’ performance experience in the luxury segment.

The electric all-wheel drive, steering, dampers and driving stability systems are each underpinned by the M-specific application of all control systems, ensuring “superbly judged driving characteristics in all situations”.

Standard M kit in the M70 includes adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling, M-specific air springs and M-specific hydraulics to optimise damper response.

An additional shear panel between the bulkhead and spring strut towers produces a substantial increase in body rigidity at the front end. The vehicle has Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive Pro chassis package including active roll stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort.

Large disc brakes are a given behind 21-inch light alloy wheels.

In terms of luxury, the model is not wanting thanks to the standard fitment of BMW’s Connoisseur Lounge Package.

Standard equipment highlights in this range-topping model include the BMW Interaction Bar in the cockpit and the Connoisseur Lounge with optimised reclining function in the rear. The BMW Theatre Screen and Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional in-seat exciters turn the rear compartment into what BMW describes as a an exclusive ‘Gold Class’ personal cinema on wheels.

The arrival of this model marks a milestone for the BMW M Performance division in its electric mobility transformation. This is its third all electric performance offering following the BMW i4 M50 and the BMW iX M60.

The cars come out of the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, home to the ‘competence centre for electric drive system production’, which manufactures both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for all variants of the BMW i7 on site.